L.D.W.F. AGENTS CITE THREE MEN IN ACADIA PARISH FOR MULTIPLE MIGRATORY BIRD VIOLATIONS

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited three men in Acadia Parish for allegedly violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act on Jan. 18. The agents seized a total of 25 wood ducks and three mallards.

Agents cited Joshua Celestine, 27, of Elton and Scott Leger, 31, and Gene Leckelt, 24, both from Eunice for hunting ducks from a moving motorboat, taking or possessing over the limit of ducks, violating non-toxic shot requirements, failing to maintain custody of ducks in the field, and flight from an officer. In addition, Leger and Leckelt were cited for hunting ducks or geese without a state migratory hunting license and federal migratory stamp. Leckelt was also cited for hunting ducks or geese without a state basic hunting license.

Agents were responding to a complaint of three men hunting ducks from a motorboat on Bayou Des Cannes when they encountered the three subjects. When the agents tried to make contact, the three men sped off in the boat. Leger and Celestine were soon apprehended, and agents found a sack containing 26 ducks and two other ducks in the mens possession. Leckelt later surrendered to agents. The three admitted to killing and discarding the ducks.

The penalty for each violation of the Migratory Treaty Act is a fine up to $15,000, up to six months in jail or both. Flight from an officer carries a fine of $150 to $500 or jail time up to six months or both.

Agents participating in this case were Lt. Robert Buatt, Sgt. Kane Thomas and Agent Donald Murray.